Chapel Hill dairy farmer addresses local Lions Club

Friday, February 24, 2012

A Marshall County dairy farmer recently spoke to local Lions Clubs to tell them about modern dairy farm practices.

Tony White, a former county commissioner, brought his story to the Chapel Hill Lions Club on Feb. 6. White, president of the Tennessee Dairy Producers Association, is one of the people behind the wholesome dairy foods consumers enjoy.

The White family owns Overland Hill Dairy near Chapel Hill. They milk 190 cows twice a day, every day. Corn, silage and hay are also raised on the 1,000-acre farm. To dairy farmers, the ultimate reward is knowing their actions help create a healthy, abundant and affordable food supply for this community.

Because his family lives and works on the farm, White takes seriously his responsibility to protect land, water and air. "We are a family business vital to our community and the state's economy. We know our future depends upon what we do today," said White. Natural resources must be viable ecologically and economically for current and future generations.

Dairy farms and milking facilities are also regularly checked by state and federal inspectors, and milk is tested routinely, making milk and dairy products among the most wholesome foods a consumer can buy. "We take great pride in the milk we produce," said White. "Our life's work is to provide the most nutritious and safe dairy products, while being good stewards of the land and the animals."

Southeast dairy farmers protect their land, care for their animals and produce high quality milk and dairy foods for their families and yours.

The non-profit Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. (SUDIA) is funded by dairy farm families of the Southeast, and works with schools, health professionals, retailers, dairy processors, and the public to promote dairy foods.